RangersMedia

The Enigma Thursday, 26 January 2012 16:26 Written by croatianbicycles

Kris Boyd was once described as an “enigma”, by then-Rangers manager Walter Smith; Smith complimenting Boyd’s goal-scoring ability but questioning the striker’s work-rate. In 296 league appearances for both Rangers and Kilmarnock, Boyd notched an impressive 164 goals, smashing Henrik Larsson’s record. 
After slightly disastrous single season in England, Boyd moved to Turkish side Eskişehirspor in the summer. However, due to issues regarding pay, Boyd terminated his contract just months into a three year deal, thus leaving Kris to sign for any club for free.

In my opinion, it would be stupid not to make any attempt to re-sign Kris Boyd. I’m aware I’m probably among the minority who think this, the way in which he left the club left many fans with a sour taste in their mouth, including myself. But you can’t argue with his goal record; goals win matches and matches win championships. Yes, we coped with life without Boyd last season, contrary to the infamous banner, ‘No Boyd= No Goals= No Championship' (again), but we’ve Kenny Miller to thank for that- scoring 21 goals in 6 months before he moved on, and the form of Nikica Jelavic in the second half of the term. Jelavic is yet to re-kindle his best form and we’re crying out for a goal-scorer. It might be ignorant and disrespectful to the lesser teams, but really we should be winning by 3 or 4 clear goals, something we haven’t done. With a poacher, like Boyd it is something we’d most likely achieve.

Boyd’s work-rate is the most criticised part of his game, and understandably so. He is a lazy (insert word of choice here), relying on others to do the leg-work. But Kris provides an end product for this leg-work- so even his negative trait results in a positive for the team. 

Signing Boyd would result in our play being slightly adapted, as a strike partner is essential for Boyd. The 4-2-3-1 deployed in recent weeks would need to be adapted to the tried and trusted 4-4-2, or similar. This partner could be Jelavic, or someone brought in. 

With Jelavic being linked to several clubs in England and on the continent, cashing in on him is something that is more than likely to be considered. As widely reported, the financial situation at the club is far from ideal, so a large proportion of any Jelavic fee is likely to service the debts. The remainder, if any, should be used to strengthen our weakest area: attack. More so, we should sign a player who would compliment Boyd. 

No doubt about it, we need a striker and, more importantly, we need a proven goal scorer. Kris Boyd ticks both boxes. The old cliché phrase ‘better the devil you know,’ comes to mind. Boyd might not be the most popular amongst the fans, but every single fan knows what he brings- goals. As I mentioned earlier, and I’ll repeat it, goals win matches, matches win championships. It crying out for all to see, we need goals. Take the recent game against Aberdeen, we created countless chances, but we needed someone with that finishing touch. I’m of the opinion if we had Boyd yesterday, we would have won. 

The SPL all-time leading goal scorer is available on a free transfer. 

C’mon Ally it’s time to bring Boyd home!